Click here to read the January/February eBulletin!
|
|
Yesterday's horrifying threats to democracy make all the more clear the work we need to do to. This week's Torah portion launches our people's story of redemption as God hears the people's cries; we too must hear the cries that will lead us to the difficult road to redemption. We all have work to do and we invite you to engage in a step of that work with us this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. week. During the horror in our nation's capital yesterday, this is the message of Jewish wisdom and prayer we shared with the congregation.
-Rodeph Shalom Clergy
|
|
Engage Together for Anti-Racist Work This Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
|
Background on this year's commemoration of Dr. King & his legacy -- from Rabbi Maderer
During the day and week of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we will honor King by engaging in an in-depth anti-racism training. In my learning with our Anti-Racism Group, with our Reform Movement, and with social change movements outside of Rodeph Shalom, I have come to understand that our work needs to begin within ourselves and our community. We might not even realize when our values are not reflected in our actions; we are unaware of the biases that shape our thoughts. And so we have work to do. May we commit to deepening our understanding of our Jewish community’s mitzvah – our role – in repairing the world. Inspired by our Talmud’s teaching: God creates a single person first, for the sake of peace among humankind that one should not say to the other, “My lineage is greater than your lineage; my race is greater than your race,” please join us for this congregation-wide training, and come ready to be fully present, knowing you will be supported through any discomfort, because that’s how we grow.
Building an Anti-Racist Congregation Training
Join us to deepen understanding of our biases and of injustice today, and to do the work of anti-racism in ourselves, our congregation, and our world. In Part One, we will explore how biases hinder us from acting in alignment with our beliefs; in Part Two, we will build skills and action steps to move us forward in our work. Our training will be led by Jews in ALL Hues trainers Jared Jackson and Allison Pokras. Designed for congregants only.
Registration is not required, but encouraged. RSVP here.
Part One: Monday, January 18, 3:00-5:00 pm – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Part Two: Thursday, January 21, 6:00-8:00 pm
Gratitude to the Alfred and Helen O. Sellers Fund for generously underwriting and to the RS Anti-Racism Work Group for inspiring and hosting.
|
|
It's Almost Here: "Cook & Connect" with Celebrity Chef Michael W. Twitty on Sunday, January 10! |
|
Part one of the virtual cooking adventure:
Koshersoul with Michael W. Twitty
Sunday, January 10 from 6:30-8:00pm via Zoom
Join Twitty, a James Beard award-winning culinary historian and Judaic teacher, as he shares how he uses the table to navigate contemporary challenges of racial inequity and intersectional identity. Hear his fascinating journey and learn how to make Black Eyed Pea Hummus! Register here; be sure to explore the patron options.
|
|
 |
Choose your way to participate:
- Become a Year-Long Patron with special access and appreciation gifts, be a patron for one or more events, or attend with general admission. Thank you to our patrons and sponsors.
- Participate in the Coming Together Gift Program to receive an appreciation gift when you become a donor.
|
|
|
|
The Rodeph Shalom Cantorial Search Committee has resumed the important tasks of interviewing prospective candidates and ultimately hiring a new permanent cantor. We are very grateful to our Interim Cantor Rita Glassman for the work she is doing to carry our Congregation through this time of searching.
As communicated last year, the Search Committee seeks a full clergy partner, one who embraces both Classical and Contemporary sacred music styles; who can provide spiritual leadership in worship and in life cycle events; and who can lead all aspects of Jewish life. It is our hope that the successful candidate will be able to joyously lead Tot Shabbat and facilitate a meaningful and insightful Torah Study!
The Committee is pleased to share that we have been in conversation with promising candidates and we hope to have more news in the near future.
Search Committee Members
Cassidy Leighton, Co-chair; Kait Yulman, Chair; Hank Bernstein; Jonathan Broder; Lloyd Brotman;
Karen Edelstein; Sarah Gitchell; Michael Hauptman; Beth Lashner; Ned Levi; Susan Pultman; Rabbi Jill Maderer; Rabbi Eli Freedman; Jeffrey Katz, Executive Director; Jennifer James, Director of Youth Education
|
|
Connect Regularly with a Small Group of Congregants |
|
Sign ups close on January 10 for the two pilot Small Groups, which will launch mid-January, one focused on Jewish Text Study and the other on Criminal Justice.
Groups use relational, thought-provoking questions to discover common interests and establish deep relationships. Space is limited. Click here to learn more and sign up.
|
|
Distribution of the directory has sparked an interest in updating information. If you have any updates or would like to be included, please contact Alyssa Geller. We apologize for the layout mistakes.
|
|
Register for Introduction to Judaism |
|
Wednesdays, January 20 - April 14 from 6:00-8:00pm via Zoom
If you are an interfaith couple, considering converting to Judaism, or Jewish and looking for beginner’s education, Introduction to Judaism is perfect for you. It provides a foundation of the Jewish faith, culture, people and history, from a Reform perspective. Cost: free for RS members; $180/non-member singles and couples. Register here.
|
|
Every other Tuesday starting January 26 at 6:00pm via Zoom
Enjoy ten fascinating Torah study sessions through a queer lens with Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell. How do our beloved yet often problematic texts help us make ethical decisions and honor the sacredness of every human being? No Hebrew or text study background is necessary. RSVP here.
|
|
Adult Beginner Hebrew Class is on Mondays through May at 8:00pm, led by Rebekah Robinson. Learn to read the Hebrew alphabet. Become familiar with central prayers and be able to read them or follow along with a reasonable amount of ease.
Contact Mindy Harris to enroll & for tuition information. Scholarship assistance available.
|
|
Join Together for Shabbat & Torah Study |
|
|
Friday, January 8 at 6:00pm
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 9 at 9:15am
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Virtual Opportunities to Engage
|
|
Click the blue links to join each Zoom event.
Friday, January 8
Saturday, January 9
Recitation of Kaddish
Sunday, January 10
9:30am: Berkman Mercaz Limud in session
6:30pm: Cook and Connect Series: Koshersoul with Michael W. Twitty; RSVP here
Monday, January 11
Wednesday, January 13
8:30am: Morning Minyan with Mourner's Kaddish; RSVP to Tomas Isakowitz for Zoom information 4:30pm: Virtual Midweek Hebrew
Friday, January 15
Saturday, January 16
10:45am: Shabbat Morning Service; Bar Mitzvah of Boris Pasternak; Recitation of Kaddish; Computer password: Boris; Phone password: 058093
Sunday, January 17
9:30am: Berkman Mercaz Limud in session
|
|
Volunteer "Tech Angels" Needed |
|
Help run Zoom programs and be a leader in our virtual community! Events are one hour in length, and simply involve enabling "screen sharing" and "spotlighting" the leader or individual participants. To sign up as a tech angel, contact Mindy Harris.
|
|
Our Condolences to the Family & Friends of |
|
-
Marc Zisselman, husband of Pam Zisselman and father of Heidi and Robbie
|
|
For Congregants Experiencing Financial Distress |
|
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has created a Congregational Rabbis COVID-19 Emergency Fund to provide aid to our congregants and community members who are in need of financial assistance. This is to aid those suffering from the current pandemic. The funds are intended to help those in need of food, medical assistance, rent/mortgage payments and/or medical expenses. If you or a community member is in need of help, please contact one of our clergy or Jeff Katz.
|
|
Einstein Healthcare Network Virtual Women's Health Symposium
Wednesday, January 13 from 10:00-11:30am
This year's symposium, " Pikuach Nefesh & Kovod" features experts in the field of genetics, obstetrics and gynecology, disability etiquette training, and more. Register here. Contact Sheri Minkoff with questions.
Parkinsingers Virtual Rehearsals
Mondays from 4:00-5:30pm
The Parkinsingers Choir unites people with Parkinson's Disease, care-partners, and friends in a community dedicated to making music of the highest quality in a welcoming environment. Contact Marjorie Samoff.
Red Cross Blood Drive in Our Neighborhood
For information on nearby blood drives, click here, and contact Kristin McKale with questions. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
